Physical Therapy Assistant- PRN (As Needed)

Elizabeth Care Center•Cherry, WV

About The Position

The Physical Therapy Assistant administers physical therapy modalities and treatments under the supervision of a staff physical therapist, after the physical therapist has evaluated the patient. The role assists patients in restoring function and preventing disability following injury, disease, or physical disability, helping them reach their maximum performance while living within the limits of their capabilities. The position includes observing and evaluating treatment effects, performing assessment components and reassessments as appropriate, supporting patient and family education, and coordinating care with patients, families, physicians, facility staff, and other departments. The PTA also contributes to department operations, documentation, equipment and supply readiness, infection control, safety, performance improvement, and staff education and training.

Requirements

Associate degree in Physical Therapy.
State license as a Physical Therapy Assistant.
Good interpersonal and public relations skills.
Solid analytical, creative, and problem-solving abilities.
Ability to assist and coordinate with others.
Ability to use a computer for basic word processing, email correspondence, and Excel applications.
Ability to perform basic math, including using decimals to compute ratios and percents.
Ability to prepare reports, letters, and other communications using proper punctuation, spelling, and grammar.
Ability to communicate distinctly with appropriate pauses, emphasis, and pronunciation, or sign equivalent.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with the geriatric population.

Responsibilities

Provide treatments and physical therapy modalities as directed by the staff physical therapist and adhere to physical medicine practice standards.
Observe and evaluate treatment effects and discuss observations with the staff physical therapist.
Perform appropriate components of patient assessments and reassessments, as required by policy, for neonate, pediatric, adolescent, geriatric, and general patient populations.
Assist with formulating teaching plans based on identified learning needs, assess learning effectiveness, include family as appropriate, and inform the staff physical therapist of conclusions.
Treat patients and families with respect and dignity, identify and address psychosocial needs, and involve them in forming the plan of care.
Operate equipment safely and correctly and maintain department cleanliness and safety.
Communicate clearly and professionally with physicians, facility staff, patients, families, and department members.
Coordinate and assist with directing patient care to ensure patient needs are met and facility policies are followed.
Maintain records pertinent to personnel and department operations and ensure documentation meets current standards and policies.
Maintain good working relationships within the department and with other departments; consult other departments as appropriate for patient care and performance improvement.
Assist with ordering supplies and maintain adequate PAR levels so supplies and equipment are available.
Participate in infection control, equipment training, organizational safety and fire safety programs, and departmental CQI activities.
Participate in educational and staff performance-improvement in-services; assist with orientation and in-service training for certified department staff and participate in guidance and educational programs.
Function flexibly and in an organized manner under stressful situations.